U.S. patent application number 15/789703 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for electronic apparatus and image pickup apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Hiroshi Nakamura.
Application Number | 20180115718 15/789703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61970061 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180115718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakamura; Hiroshi |
April 26, 2018 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS
Abstract
An electronic apparatus includes a display unit configured to be
rotatable with respect to a main body unit in a first direction
about a first axis and a second direction about a second axis, a
magnet configured to generate a magnetic field, a first sensor
configured to detect, based on the magnetic field, a first state of
the display unit in the first direction, a second sensor configured
to detect, based on the magnetic field, a second state of the
display unit in the second direction, a third sensor configured to
detect, based on the magnetic field, a third state of the display
unit, and a control unit configured to control a display state of
the display unit based on the first state, the second state, and
the third state.
Inventors: |
Nakamura; Hiroshi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
61970061 |
Appl. No.: |
15/789703 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/335 20130101;
H04N 5/2251 20130101; H04N 5/2252 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101;
H04N 5/225251 20180801 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/232 20060101
H04N005/232; H04N 5/335 20060101 H04N005/335; H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 25, 2016 |
JP |
2016-208688 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to
be rotatable with respect to a main body unit in a first direction
about a first axis and a second direction about a second axis being
different direction from the first axis; a magnet configured to
generate a magnetic field; a first sensor configured to detect,
based on the magnetic field, a first state of the display unit in
the first direction; a second sensor configured to detect, based on
the magnetic field, a second state of the display unit in the
second direction; a third sensor configured to detect, based on the
magnetic field, a third state of the display unit; and a control
unit configured to control a display state of the display unit
based on the first state, the second state, and the third
state.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
axis and the second axis are perpendicular to each other, wherein
the first direction corresponds to an open/close direction of the
display unit with respect to the main body unit, and the second
direction corresponds to a rotation direction of the display unit
with respect to the main body unit, wherein the first sensor
detects, as the first state, an open/close state of the display
unit with respect to the main body unit, the second sensor detects,
as the second state, a rotation state of the display unit with
respect to the main body unit, and the third sensor detects, as the
third state, a close state of the display unit with respect to the
main body unit.
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
display unit is held in a movable display device configured to be
rotatable with respect to the main body unit through a hinge unit,
wherein the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor
are provided in the main body unit, and wherein the magnet is
provided in the movable display device.
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a
magnetized direction of the magnet is perpendicular to a direction
along the first axis.
5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first
sensor is disposed so as to incline with respect to the magnetized
direction of the magnet.
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
magnet is provided at a position closer to the hinge unit than to a
center of the movable display device, and wherein the first sensor
and the second sensor are provided on the first axis.
7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first
sensor detects the magnetic field in a direction inclined with
respect to the magnetized direction of the magnet, and wherein the
second sensor detects the magnetic field in a direction parallel to
the first axis.
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third
sensor is provided at a position shifted from the first axis.
9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first
area including the first sensor and the second sensor and a second
area including the third sensor are provided at positions
symmetrical with respect to the second axis.
10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
distance from a center of the first sensor to the second axis is
equal to a distance from a center of the magnet to the second
axis.
11. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image sensor
configured to perform photoelectric conversion on an optical image
formed through an image pickup optical system; a display unit
configured to be rotatable with respect to a main body unit in a
first direction about a first axis and a second direction about a
second axis being different direction from the first axis; a magnet
configured to generate a magnetic field; a first sensor configured
to detect, based on the magnetic field, a first state of the
display unit in the first direction; a second sensor configured to
detect, based on the magnetic field, a second state of the display
unit in the second direction; a third sensor configured to detect,
based on the magnetic field, a third state of the display unit; and
a control unit configured to change a display state of an image
obtained by the image sensor on the display unit according to the
first state, the second state, and the third state.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electronics and,
more particularly, to an electronic apparatus, an image pickup
apparatus, and to an electronic apparatus including a movable
display device.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] An electronic apparatus, such as a digital camera and a
video camera, which includes a display unit that is openable,
closable, and rotatable with respect to an electronic apparatus
main body, has been conventionally known. Such an electronic
apparatus performs vertical and horizontal inversion switching of
an image displayed on a display unit, and turning on/off switching
of the image, according to an open/close state and a rotation state
of the display unit. In order to improve the reliability which may
deteriorate due to space saving, or by non-contact, the electronic
apparatus may detect the open/close state and the rotation state of
a display unit (state detection) using a magnet and a magnetic
sensor. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-38190
discusses an electronic apparatus that switches a display state of
a display unit according to the open/close state and/or rotation
state of the display unit.
[0003] However, in the electronic apparatus discussed in Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-38190, the display state of
the display unit is switched using two magnets. Accordingly, it is
difficult to reduce the size of the external form of the display
unit. In addition, if the two magnets have a similar size, a faulty
assembly is likely to occur.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to an electronic
apparatus and an image pickup apparatus capable of detecting a
state of a display unit using a magnetic sensor, and reducing the
size and being easily assembled.
[0005] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure,
an electronic apparatus includes a display unit configured to be
rotatable with respect to a main body unit in a first direction
about a first axis and a second direction about a second axis being
different direction from the first axis, a magnet configured to
generate a magnetic field, a first sensor configured to detect,
based on the magnetic field, a first state of the display unit in
the first direction, a second sensor configured to detect, based on
the magnetic field, a second state of the display unit in the
second direction, a third sensor configured to detect, based on the
magnetic field, a third state of the display unit, and a control
unit configured to control a display state of the display unit
based on the first state, the second state, and the third
state.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an
image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor that performs
photoelectric conversion on an optical image formed through an
image pickup optical system, and the above-described electronic
apparatus.
[0007] Further features of the present disclosure will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views each illustrating an
external appearance of an image pickup apparatus according to one
or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a rear side of the
image pickup apparatus in a state where a display device is opened
according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are views each illustrating an
operation state of a movable display device according to one or
more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are views each illustrating a display
state of the movable display device according to one or more
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the image pickup
apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6A is a rear view of the image pickup apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment in the state illustrated in
FIG. 3D, FIG. 6B is an enlarged view illustrating the image pickup
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6A according to an exemplary
embodiment, FIG. 6C is a sectional view taken along a line A-A in
FIG. 6B according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6D is a rear
view illustrating the image pickup apparatus according to an
exemplary embodiment in the state illustrated in FIG. 3A, and FIG.
6E is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line B-B of the
image pickup apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6D according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are graphs each illustrating a
relationship between an operation state of the movable display
device according to an exemplary embodiment and a magnetic flux
density detected by each sensor.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating a relationship between an
operation state of the movable display device according to an
exemplary embodiment, a display state of a liquid crystal display
(LCD) panel, and a detected state of each sensor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Exemplary embodiments of one or more aspects of the present
disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the
drawings.
[0017] First, an electronic apparatus (image pickup apparatus)
according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective
views each illustrating an external appearance of an image pickup
apparatus 100 (single-lens reflex camera). FIG. 1A is a front view
of the image pickup apparatus 100, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of
the image pickup apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view
illustrating the image pickup apparatus 100 in a state where a
movable display device 40 (display device) is opened.
[0018] In the image pickup apparatus 100, a shutter button 61 is an
operation unit used by a user to send an imaging instruction. A
mode changing switch 60 is an operation unit for switching various
modes. A terminal cover 91 is a cover for protecting a connector
(not illustrated) of a connection cable or the like that connects
an external device with the image pickup apparatus 100. An
electronic main dial 71 is a rotatable operation member. By
rotating the electronic main dial 71, various setting values such
as a shutter speed and an aperture value can be changed. A power
switch 72 is an operation member for switching power supply for the
image pickup apparatus 100 on and off. An electronic sub-dial 73 is
a rotation operation member, and can move a selection frame and
perform image feeding. A SET button 76 is a press button, and may
be used for determining a selection item.
[0019] A quick return mirror 12 is turned by an actuator (not
illustrated) based on a command from a system control unit 30 (see
FIG. 5). A communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal
used when the image pickup apparatus 100 communicates with an
attachable/detachable imaging lens (interchangeable lens) which is
not illustrated. An eyepiece finder 16 is a look-in type finder for
checking a focal point and a composition of an optical image of an
object obtained through an imaging lens by the user observing a
focusing screen (not illustrated). A grip unit 90 is a holding unit
having a shape to be easily grasped with a user's right hand when
the user holds the image pickup apparatus 100 to prepare for the
imaging.
[0020] The movable display device 40 includes a liquid crystal
display (LCD) panel 41 (display unit). The movable display device
40 is rotatably supported by two axes in a horizontal rotation
direction (first direction) about an open/close axis 45 (first
axis) and a vertical rotation direction (rotation direction, second
direction) about a rotation axis 46 (second axis) through a hinge
unit 43. The first direction corresponds to an open/close direction
of the LCD panel 41 with respect to a main body unit (a part of the
image pickup apparatus 100 except for the movable display device
40) of the image pickup apparatus 100. The second direction
corresponds to a rotation direction of the LCD panel 41 with
respect to the main body unit. In the present exemplary embodiment,
the open/close axis 45 and the rotation axis 46 are perpendicular
to each other. In this way, the LCD panel 41 is held in the movable
display device 40 that is rotatable in each of the first direction
and the second direction with respect to the main body unit of the
image pickup apparatus 100 through the hinge unit 43.
[0021] A storage surface 44 is a surface that faces the movable
display device 40 when the movable display device 40 is stored, and
is a recessed bottom surface formed in a rear surface cover 19 in a
state where the movable display device 40 is open (open state). The
rear surface cover 19 is provided with an engaging claw 47. When
the movable display device 40 is stored in the rear surface cover
19, the movable display device 40 can be engaged with the engaging
claw 47. The storage surface 44 is provided with an elastic member
48. The elastic member 48 is brought into a compressed state in the
state where the movable display device 40 is stored and engaged
with the engaging claw 47, and urges the movable display device 40
against the engaging claw 47.
[0022] In the present exemplary embodiment, the state (state
illustrated in FIG. 1B) in which the movable display device 40 is
stored in such a manner that the storage surface 44 and the LCD
panel 41 face each other is defined as an open/close angle
0.degree. and a rotation angle 0.degree.. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the movable display device 40 is rotatable within the
range of an open/close angle of 0.degree. to 175.degree. and within
the range of a rotation angle of -90.degree. to 180.degree. (i.e.,
within a rotation angle range up to 180.degree. in a +direction
illustrated in FIG. 2 and within a rotation angle range up to
90.degree. in a -direction illustrated in FIG. 2). However, the
present exemplary embodiment is not limited to this example. The
rotatable range of the movable display device 40 can be changed as
appropriate depending on the intended use.
[0023] Next, the operation state and display state of the movable
display device 40 according to the present exemplary embodiment
will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D and FIGS. 4A to
4C. FIGS. 3A to 3D are views each illustrating the operation state
of the movable display device 40. FIGS. 4A to 4C are views each
illustrating the display state of the movable display device 40,
and illustrate the display images of the LCD panel 41 that are
obtained in the states illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D,
respectively, during live view imaging.
[0024] In the main body unit of the image pickup apparatus 100, an
open/close sensor 50 (first sensor), a rotation sensor 51 (second
sensor), and a close sensor 31 (third sensor), which are used to
detect the operation state of the movable display device 40, are
provided. In the movable display device 40, a magnet 52 that
generates a magnetic field for causing each sensor to react is
provided. FIGS. 3A to 3D each illustrate the open/close sensor 50,
the rotation sensor 51, and the close sensor 31 in a state to be
seen through the rear surface cover 19, and also illustrate the
magnet 52 to be seen through the movable display device 40.
[0025] The open/close sensor 50 detects, based on the magnetic
field generated by the magnet 52, the operation state (first state)
of the LCD panel 41 in the open/close direction, that is, the
open/close state of the LCD panel 41 with respect to the main body
unit. The rotation sensor 51 detects, based on the magnetic field
generated by the magnet 52, the operation state (second state) of
the LCD panel 41 in the rotation direction, that is, the rotation
state of the LCD panel 41 with respect to the main body unit. The
close sensor 31 detects, based on the magnetic field generated by
the magnet 52, the operation state (third state) of the LCD panel
41, that is, the close state of the LCD panel 41 with respect to
the main body unit.
[0026] In the present exemplary embodiment, Giant MagnetoResistance
(GMR) elements for detecting a magnetic field parallel to a
mounting surface may be used as the open/close sensor 50 and the
rotation sensor 51. In the present exemplary embodiment, a Hall
element for detecting a magnetic field perpendicular to the
mounting surface may be used as the close sensor 31. However, the
present exemplary embodiment is not limited to these examples, and
other types of elements may be used as the sensors.
[0027] In the present exemplary embodiment, the magnet 52 may be
provided at a position closer to the hinge unit 43 (i.e., the
open/close axis 45) than to the center of the movable display
device 40. In other words, a distance between the magnet 52 and the
open/close axis 45 may be shorter than a distance between the
center of the movable display device 40 (LCD panel 41) and the
open/close axis 45. In the present exemplary embodiment, the
open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51 are provided on (or
in the vicinity of) the open/close axis 45. On the other hand, the
close sensor 31 is provided at a position shifted from the
open/close axis 45. In the present exemplary embodiment, a first
area including the open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51
and a second area including the close sensor 31 may be provided at
positions symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 46. The
term "first area" used herein refers to an area located above the
rotation axis 46 and located at a predetermined distance from the
rotation axis 46 (or an extension of the rotation axis 46) in FIGS.
3A to 3D. The term "second area" used herein refers to an area
located below the rotation axis 46 and located at a predetermined
distance from the rotation axis 46.
[0028] In the state illustrated in FIG. 3A, the movable display
device 40 is stored in such a manner that the LCD panel 41 faces
the storage surface 44 (open/close angle 0.degree. and rotation
angle 0.degree.). In this state, the close sensor 31 detects that
the movable display device 40 is closed (close state), and the
system control unit 30 (see FIG. 5) turns off the LCD panel 41
(turned-off state). When the movable display device 40 is gradually
opened about the open/close axis 45 from this state, the detection
of the close state by the close sensor 31 turns off at a
predetermined angle, and the system control unit 30 turns on the
LCD panel 41 (turned-on state). FIG. 3B illustrates a state where
the movable display device 40 is fully opened about the open/close
axis 45 (open/close angle 175.degree. and rotation angle
0.degree.). In the present exemplary embodiment, the display state
of the LCD panel 41 in the state of the movable display device 40
illustrated in FIG. 3B is referred to as a normal display state.
FIG. 4A illustrates the LCD panel 41 in the normal display
state.
[0029] When the movable display device 40 is rotated in the
+direction about the rotation axis 46 from the state illustrated in
FIG. 3B, the open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51 detect
the magnetic field generated by the magnet 52 at a predetermined
angle. After that, when the movable display device 40 is further
rotated in the +direction, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the movable
display device 40 is rotated by +180.degree. (open/close angle
175.degree. and rotation angle +180.degree.). FIG. 4B illustrates
the display state of the LCD panel 41 in the state where the
open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51 detect the magnetic
field of the magnet 52. The display state of the LCD panel 41
illustrated in FIG. 4B is controlled by the system control unit 30
to be in a state where the display image is vertically inverted
from the normal display state (vertically inverted display, i.e.,
mirror image display as viewed from the user). This display state
is suitable for the user to perform self-imaging.
[0030] When the movable display device 40 is gradually closed about
the open/close axis 45 from the state illustrated in FIG. 3C, the
detection by the open/close sensor 50 is not made (the detection by
the open/close sensor 50 turns off) at a predetermined angle, and
only the detection by the rotation sensor 51 is made. After that,
when the movable display device 40 is further closed, as
illustrated in FIG. 3D, the movable display device 40 is stored in
the recess of the rear surface cover 19 so that the LCD panel 41
can be seen by the user (open/close angle 0.degree. and rotation
angle 180.degree.). FIG. 4C illustrates the display state of the
LCD panel 41 in the state where only the detection by the rotation
sensor 51 is made. The display state of the LCD panel 41 is
controlled by the system control unit 30, and is changed from the
normal display state to a vertically and horizontally inverted
state (horizontally and vertically inverted display). In this
state, the electronic apparatus can be used with the same feeling
as that of an electronic apparatus including a non-movable display
device formed on a rear surface thereof.
[0031] Next, the configuration of the image pickup apparatus 100 in
association with the display control of the LCD panel 41 will be
described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of
the image pickup apparatus 100. The system control unit 30 (control
unit), which may include one or more processors and one or more
memories, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or the like,
controls the entire image pickup apparatus 100, i.e., controls the
operation of each unit, the image display of the LCD panel 41, and
the like. The operation unit 32 includes various operation members,
such as the shutter button 61 and the electronic main dial 71, as
an input unit that accepts an operation from the user. A memory 33
is a memory unit that stores control programs and various data. An
image sensor 70 may include a Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD)
sensor and obtains an image (image data) by performing
photoelectric conversion on an optical image formed through an
imaging lens (image pickup optical system). The system control unit
30 reads out the control programs and data stored in the memory 33,
and performs various control operations, such as the image display
control of the LCD panel 41, based on the control programs and
data. The system control unit 30 controls the display state of the
LCD panel 41 based on the operation state (combinations of the
first state, the second state, and the third state) of the LCD
panel 41. More specifically, the system control unit 30 changes the
display state of the image obtained by the image sensor 70 on the
LCD panel 41 based on signals obtained from the open/close sensor
50, the rotation sensor 51, and the close sensor 31 (according to
the operation state of the movable display device 40).
[0032] Next, the arrangement of the open/close sensor 50, the
rotation sensor 51, the close sensor 31, and the magnet 52 will be
described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6E. FIG. 6A is a
rear view illustrating the image pickup apparatus 100 in the state
illustrated in FIG. 3D. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view illustrating a
range 101 in FIG. 6A, in which the illustration of an area
excluding the open/close sensor 50, the rotation sensor 51, the
magnet 52, and peripheral areas thereof is omitted. FIG. 6C is a
sectional view taken along a line A-A in FIG. 6B.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6B, the magnet 52 has a north pole on the
left side thereof and a south pole on the right side thereof. The
magnet 52 is disposed in such a manner that a direction
(X-direction) perpendicular to a direction (Y-direction) along the
open/close axis 45 matches a magnetized direction. The open/close
sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51 are mounted on a flexible
printed circuit (FPC) 53. The FPC 53 is attached to a resin part 54
with a double-sided adhesive tape. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the
attachment surface of the open/close sensor 50 in the resin part 54
is inclined at an angle .theta. with respect to an XY plane in
FIGS. 6A to 6E, and the open/close sensor 50 is disposed (attached)
so as to be inclined with respect to the magnetized direction of
the magnet 52. With this arrangement, the open/close sensor 50 is
disposed so as to detect the magnetic field (magnetic field in a
direction inclined with respect to the magnetized direction of the
magnet 52) at the predetermined angle .theta. in a XZ plane (in a
direction indicated by an arrow 55 in FIG. 6C).
[0034] The rotation sensor 51 is disposed so as to detect the
magnetic field (magnetic field in a direction parallel to the
open/close axis 45) in the Y-direction (direction indicated by an
arrow 56 in FIG. 6B). The center of measurement in the detection of
the magnetic field by each of the open/close sensor 50 and the
rotation sensor 51 is disposed on the open/close axis 45 of the
movable display device 40. In order for the open/close sensor 50 to
detect a magnetic field strongly from the magnet 52, it is
preferable to set the distance from the center of the open/close
sensor 50 (the center of measurement in the detection of the
magnetic field) to the rotation axis 46 of the movable display
device 40 to be substantially the same as the distance from the
center of the magnet 52 to the rotation axis 46. The meaning of the
phrase "substantially the same" includes a case where the distances
are not exactly the same, but are evaluated to be substantially the
same. In such an arrangement, the center of the rotation sensor 51
(the center of measurement in the detection of the magnetic field)
is preferably disposed separately from the open/close sensor 50 at
a position where the effect of the magnetic field received from the
magnet 52 on the open/close axis 45 is strongest.
[0035] FIG. 6D is a rear view illustrating the image pickup
apparatus 100 in the state illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 6E is an
enlarged sectional view of a range 201 taken along a line B-B in
FIG. 6D, in which the illustration of an area excluding the close
sensor 31, the magnet 52, and peripheral areas thereof is
omitted.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6E, the magnet 52 has a north pole on the
left side thereof and a south pole on the right side thereof. The
magnet 52 is disposed so that the X-direction matches the
magnetized direction. The close sensor 31 is mounted on an FPC 204.
The FPC 204 is press-fit onto a boss 203, which is formed on the
rear surface cover 19, thereby being positioned and fixed. The
close sensor 31 is disposed so as to detect a Z-direction
(direction indicated by an arrow 57 in FIG. 6E) of the magnetic
field from the magnet 52. At this time, a south pole magnetic flux
of the magnet 52 enters from the mounting surface of a Hall IC
which is used as the close sensor 31. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the Hall IC of a north pole detection type for
detecting a north pole magnetic flux from a top surface is used as
the close sensor 31. However, the present exemplary embodiment is
not limited to this example. The angle of detection of the close
sensor 31 can be changed by changing the distance between the
magnet 52 and the close sensor 31 in the X-direction.
[0037] Next, the relationship between the operation state of the
movable display device 40 and a magnetic flux density detected by
each sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C,
and 7D. FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are graphs each illustrating the
relationship between the operation state of the movable display
device 40 and the magnetic flux density detected by each sensor. In
FIG. 7A, the horizontal axis represents an open/close angle [deg]
and the vertical axis represents a magnetic flux density [mT]. In
FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7D, the horizontal axis represents a rotation
angle [deg] and the vertical axis represents a magnetic flux
density [mT].
[0038] FIG. 7A illustrates a change in the magnetic flux density
detected by the rotation sensor 51 when the movable display device
40 is moved from the state illustrated in FIG. 3B to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3C. FIG. 7A also illustrates a threshold for
the magnetic flux density detected by the rotation sensor 51 (a
threshold for ON/OFF state of the rotation sensor 51). When the
state is changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 3B to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3C, that is, when the rotation angle is changed
from 0.degree. to +180.degree. in a state where the open/close
angle is fixed at 175.degree., the magnetic flux density generated
by the magnet 52 exceeds the threshold of the rotation sensor 51 in
the vicinity of a rotation angle 165.degree.. Accordingly, the
rotation sensor 51 is turned on in the vicinity of the rotation
angle 165.degree.. On the other hand, when the movable display
device 40 is rotated in the opposite direction to reach a rotation
angle -90.degree., the magnetic flux density generated by the
magnet 52 does not exceed the threshold of the rotation sensor 51,
and thus the rotation sensor 51 remains off. In the present
exemplary embodiment, the threshold of the rotation sensor 51 is
not limited to this example, and a threshold corresponding to an
angle other than the rotation angle 165.degree. may be set.
[0039] FIG. 7B illustrates a change in the magnetic flux density
detected by the open/close sensor 50 when the movable display
device 40 is moved from the state illustrated in FIG. 3D to the
state illustrated in FIG. 3C. FIG. 7B also illustrates a threshold
for the magnetic flux density detected by the open/close sensor 50
(a threshold for ON/OFF state of the open/close sensor 50). When
the state is changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 3D to the
state illustrated in FIG. 3C, that is, when the rotation angle is
changed from 0.degree. to 175.degree. in a state where the rotation
angle is fixed at 180.degree., the magnetic flux density generated
by the magnet 52 exceeds the threshold of the open/close sensor 50
in the vicinity of an open/close angle 163.degree.. Accordingly,
the open/close sensor 50 is turned on in the vicinity of the
open/close angle 163.degree.. In the present exemplary embodiment,
the threshold of the open/close sensor 50 is not limited to this
example, and a threshold corresponding to an angle other than the
open/close angle 163.degree. may be set. When the open/close angle
is changed, for example, the inclination (the angle .theta. in FIG.
6C) for attachment of the open/close sensor 50 may be changed. For
example, when the threshold of the open/close sensor 50 is changed
from the vicinity of 163.degree. to the vicinity of 170.degree.,
the angle .theta. of the resin part 54 illustrated in FIG. 6C is
increased and the magnetic field detection direction is rotated by
about 7.degree. within the XZ plane, without changing the
measurement center position of the open/close sensor 50.
[0040] In this way, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the
threshold for the angle (open/close angle) detected by the
open/close sensor 50 is changed to a desired angle, the electronic
apparatus can be designed intuitively and easily without the need
for performing a simulation or the like. With this configuration,
only the inclination for attachment is changed without moving the
position of the open/close sensor 50. Therefore, an increase in the
size of, for example, the external form can be avoided, and an
increase in the size of the electronic apparatus can also be
avoided.
[0041] FIG. 7C illustrates a change in the magnetic flux density
detected by the rotation sensor 51 when the movable display device
40 is moved from the state illustrated in FIG. 3D to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3C. FIG. 7C also illustrates a threshold for
the magnetic flux density detected by the rotation sensor 51 (a
threshold for ON/OFF state of the rotation sensor 51). When the
state is changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 3D to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3C, that is, when the open/close angle is
changed from 0.degree. to 175.degree. in a state where the rotation
angle is fixed at +180.degree., the magnetic flux density generated
by the magnet 52 constantly exceeds the threshold of the rotation
sensor 51 as illustrated in FIG. 7C. Accordingly, the rotation
sensor 51 is constantly in the ON state. This is because during the
change from the state illustrated in FIG. 3D to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3C, a positional relationship between the
magnet 52 and the rotation sensor 52 (relationship between the
magnetized direction of the magnet 52 and the magnetic field
detection direction of the rotation sensor 51) is set so that the
magnetic flux density detected by the rotation sensor 51 constantly
exceeds the threshold of the rotation sensor 51.
[0042] FIG. 7D illustrates a change in the magnetic flux density
detected by the close sensor 31 when the movable display device 40
is moved from the state illustrated in FIG. 3B to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 7D also illustrates a threshold for
the magnetic flux density detected by the close sensor 31. When the
movable display device 40 is moved in a direction in which the
open/close angle of the movable display device 40 is decreased,
i.e., in a direction in which the movable display device 40 is
closed, the magnetic flux density detected by the close sensor 31
gradually increases. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the
open/close angle is about 27.degree., the magnetic flux density
detected by the close sensor 31 exceeds the threshold of the close
sensor 31, and thus the close sensor 31 is turned on. During the
change from the state illustrated in FIG. 3B to the state
illustrated in FIG. 3A, the magnet 52 is kept at a sufficient
distance from each of the open/close sensor 50 and the rotation
sensor 51. Accordingly, the magnetic flux densities detected by the
open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51 during this time do
not exceed the respective thresholds.
[0043] Next, the relationship between the operation state of the
movable display device 40, the display state of the LCD panel 41,
and the detected state of each of the open/close sensor 50, the
rotation sensor 51, and the close sensor 31 will be described with
reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a table illustrating the
relationship between the operation state of the movable display
device 40, the display state of the LCD panel, and the detected
state of each sensor.
[0044] When the movable display device 40 is in the state
illustrated in FIG. 3A, or in the state illustrated in FIG. 3B, as
described above, the open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor
51 are turned off. On the other hand, the close sensor 31 is turned
on in the state illustrated in FIG. 3A, and the LCD panel 41 is
turned off (turned-off state). In the state illustrated in FIG. 3B,
the system control unit 30 performs image display control to
display an image (image data) obtained by the image sensor 70 on
the LCD panel 41 in the normal display state.
[0045] In the state illustrated in FIG. 3C, as described above, the
open/close sensor 50 and the rotation sensor 51 are both turned on.
In this state, the system control unit 30 performs image display
control to display the image obtained by the image sensor 70 on the
LCD panel 41 in the vertically inverted display state. This state
is a display state suitable for the user to perform
self-imaging.
[0046] In the state illustrated in FIG. 3D, as described above, the
open/close sensor 50 is turned off and the rotation sensor 51 is
turned on. In this state, the system control unit 30 performs image
display control to display the image obtained by the image sensor
70 on the LCD panel 41 in the horizontally and vertically inverted
display state. In this state, the electronic apparatus can be used
with the same feeling as that of an electronic apparatus including
a non-movable display device mounted on a rear surface thereof.
FIG. 8 does not illustrate a case where the open/close sensor 50 is
turned on and the rotation sensor 51 is turned off. However, in
this case, the LCD panel 41 may be set to the normal display
state.
[0047] According to the present exemplary embodiment, in the
electronic apparatus having the function of detecting the operation
state of the movable display device 40, the arrangement layout of
the open/close sensor 50, the rotation sensor 51, the close sensor
31, and the magnet 52 is appropriately set. Accordingly, the
electronic apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment
can perform the operation of a plurality of sensors (three sensors
that detect the rotation state, the open/close state, and the close
state) by using only one magnet 52. According to the present
exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide an electronic
apparatus and an image pickup apparatus which are capable of
detecting the state of the display unit using a magnetic sensor and
are reduced in size and easily assembled.
[0048] While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure
have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to
the exemplary embodiments, and can be modified and changed in
various ways within the scope of the disclosure.
[0049] While in the present exemplary embodiment, a lens
interchangeable type image pickup apparatus (such as a single-lens
reflex camera or a mirror-less camera) is described as the
electronic apparatus, the present exemplary embodiment is not
limited to this example. The present exemplary embodiment can also
be applied to a lens-integrated image pickup apparatus (such as a
digital camera or a mobile terminal including an image pickup
apparatus), or other electronic apparatuses including a movable
display device.
[0050] According to the exemplar embodiments of the present
disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic apparatus and
an image pickup apparatus which are capable of detecting the state
of the display unit using a magnetic sensor, and are reduced in
size and easily assembled.
[0051] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
[0052] This application claims the benefit of priority from
Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-208688, filed Oct. 25, 2016,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
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